Spied: BMW M235i

In 2014, BMW will launch a new family of vehicles: 2 Series. Built on the F2x platform, the new 1 Series Coupe will move up …

In 2014, BMW will launch a new family of vehicles: 2 Series. Built on the F2x platform, the new 1 Series Coupe will move up in class and be sold under the 2 Series badge. The car will share some design cues with the 1 Series Hatchback (especially inside), but overall, the 2 Series Coupe and Convertible are expected to look and feel sportier than the hatchback.

The 2 Series vehicles will be driven by a rear-wheel drive architecture with the possibility of the coupe to be paired with the xDrive system.

Just like the 1 Series hatch, the new family of coupe and convertible models will get an M special treatment. Beside the rumored and probable M2, the M engineers will develop a new car as part of their M Performance Automobiles program. The special coupe will most likely get the M235i branding and will sit below the M2 super-sporty and compact M.

And way ahead of its unveil, the folks over at BMW-Syndikat.de managed to snap some photos of a prototype set out in the wild for testing. The F22 M235i is still heavily covered with camouflage but there is plenty of evidence that point to the right model. First, the black double exhaust pipes as seen on the M135i, blue calipers specific to M Performance brakes and a small trunk spoiler.

The prototype sits on runflat tires, 225/40R18 at the front and 245/35R18 at the rear axle.

And interesting enough, the heavy cladding also hides the Valencia Orange paint, a color once exclusive to the BMW 1M.

Furthermore, some interiors shots are provided as well which reveal a gear selector for the eight-speed automatic transmission and a sportier than usual steering wheel.

The M235i coupe will use the same 316-hp version of the N55 turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine. According to Greg Kable, a journalist with Autoweek, the M division has certified this engine for U.S. sales. The M235i Coupe is said to be joined by a similar offering but in a cabriolet variant.